Assistant Conservator, Book Conservation
Vets HiredNew York, New York, United States
Posted March 5, 2026
Full Time
About the Company
Vets Hired is a San Diego‑based nonprofit that champions the transition of women veterans and military spouses into the civilian workforce. By forging strategic partnerships with corporations, educational institutions, and defense agencies, the organization runs “Support Our Troops” resource and career fairs that connect more than 100 veteran‑friendly employers with job seekers. Its comprehensive suite of services—including skill assessment, resume writing, interview coaching, and family relocation support—empowers veterans and their families to secure meaningful employment and advance their careers. Vets Hired distinguishes itself through its focus on women veterans, its zero‑cost model for participants, and its proven track record of reducing veteran unemployment rates across the United States.
Job Description
The Assistant Conservator supports the conservation, preservation, and housing of library and museum collections, including rare books and related materials, and contributes to exhibition support, digitization initiatives, and emergency preparedness.
Requirements
- Evaluate, examine, treat, and rehouse materials within both special and general collections
- Perform conservation treatments including cleaning, repair, rebinding, and stabilization of books and related objects
- Design and construct custom preservation enclosures
- Conduct conservation triage and rehousing of fragile or damaged materials
- Support exhibitions through condition reporting, object preparation, installation, and mount/support recommendations
- Monitor and manage workflow within the conservation lab to ensure appropriate processing of materials
- Participate in pest management, environmental monitoring systems, and emergency preparedness and response activities
- Support digitization projects by reviewing and safely handling materials for imaging
- Provide training and mentorship to interns, volunteers, and library staff on preservation practices
- Maintain laboratory spaces, tools, and supplies in clean and organized condition
- Participate in vendor selection and supplier relationship management
- Contribute to educational programs, professional forums, publications, and social media initiatives
- Maintain and expand professional knowledge in book conservation and preservation best practices
